DOMESTIC HIGHER DEGREE RESEARCH CANDIDATURE AND SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION FORM

***THIS FORM IS FOR AUSTRALIAN AND NZ CITIZENS AND PERMANENT RESIDENTS ONLY**

** International applicants, please contact CDU Global on international@cdu.edu.au or see the international Apply for a Higher Degree by Research | Charles Darwin University (cdu.edu.au) webpage for details on how to apply **

This Higher Degree Research Candidature and Scholarship Application Form should be completed by potential domestic students wishing to apply for:

Higher Degree Research (HDR) courses (Doctor of Philosophy; Masters by Research); and/or
HDR Stipend Scholarships

Please note Domestic candidates who apply and are accepted into a HDR course will receive a Domestic RTP Fee Offset. Only Stipend Scholarships require a Scholarship application.

Please attach the following certified/notarised documents for your application to be processed:

Proof of Citizenship: A copy of your current passport, birth certificate or your residency visa.
Change of Name (if applicable): Documentary evidence of your change of name.
Previous Qualification Documentation: A copy of your official transcript(s) and certificate(s) for all previous tertiary study. Must include GPA and grading system.
Evidence of Supervision: Evidence that at least one CDU academic staff member has agreed to supervise your research, such as email communication with your proposed supervisor.
English Language Proficiency All CDU students must demonstrate English language proficiency through prior studies in English, approved English tests or other evidence as per the English Language Proficiency Policy / Governance Document Library. An application for admission will not be accepted unless evidence of English language proficiency has been provided.
Research Outline: all applications must be accompanied by a brief research outline (1500-1700 words or 3-4 pages) on the proposed research project. Your outline should include: project title; general field of research; proposed principal supervisor; brief description; ethical considerations; resource implications; field work requirements; and any other relevant issues to the research.
Referee Report: Please nominate two people on your application who can testify to your academic achievements. Please contact your referees prior to lodging your application and request that they complete the HDR Referee Report form.
Curriculum Vitae: Please attach a copy of your current CV
Publication details: Please include links to digital copies of any publications or digital copies of publications and provide evidence of peer review if relevant
Other: Please attach any other relevant documentation to support your application (e.g. Portfoliosetc.)

GUIDE TO COMPLETING THIS FORM

**This form is only to be completed by Australian or New Zealand citizens or Permanent Residents. International applicants contact international@cdu.edu.au for how to apply or see our international webpage Apply for a Higher Degree by Research | Charles Darwin University (cdu.edu.au) for how to apply**
All relevant answers must be completed.
Ensure choose the correct application option: Candidature only; Candidature & Scholarship; or Scholarship only (for candidates who are currently enrolled or have already received an offer).
Please select "Candidature only" if you are applying for a PhD by Prior Publication.
Progress on this form can be saved and completed at a later stage.
When selecting 'save and continue later', a link can be emailed to you, that enables you to return to complete the form.
Please review the checklist at the end of this form carefully to ensure the application is complete. This will assist with a more timely processing of your application.
Ensure that all supporting documentation outlined above is attached to the application. There is an option to attach documents at the end of this form.
Once you submit the application, the application form and all applicable attachments will automatically be sent to research.degrees@cdu.edu.au in PDF format. A copy of the application will also be emailed to your email address provided in the form.

Further Queries

For queries about the application process, or difficulties using the form, please contact the Admissions and Scholarships Coordinator by phone +61 8 8946 6548 or email research.degrees@cdu.edu.au.

SECTION 1 - PERSONAL DETAILS

1. PERSONAL INFORMATION

Title *

First Name(s) *

Middle Name(s)

Family Name *

Date of Birth *

Gender *

Student ID (if previously studied at CDU)If you do not have a CDU student ID then a certified copy of your passport will be required before admission can be confirmed.

USI (Unique Student Identifier) *A USI is an individual education number required by the Australian Government. Please visit https://www.usi.gov.au/ to obtain your USI.

Residential Address: *

Country *

Postcode:

Telephone:

Mobile:

Email: *

Former Name if Applicable (e.g. Maiden Name)NOTE: If qualifications were gained in former name, certification of name change must be provided.

Are you of Australian First Nations origin? *

Yes, AboriginalYes, Torres Strait IslanderYes, Aboriginal and Torres Strait IslanderNo, Neither

More Information on terminology please visit this site: Australia's First Peoples

Are you affected by special needs or challenges that you would like the University to accommodate? *

YesNo

If 'yes', please contact our Student Access and Inclusion Office to discuss support options.

2. CITIZENSHIP

Please indicate your Citizenship category below: *

Australian citizen: If you tick this box, please provide certified/notarised documentary evidence such as birth certificate or citizenship certificate.New Zealand citizen or a diplomat or consular representative: If you tick this box, please provide a certified/notarised copy of your passport and visa.Australian Permanent Resident (excluding New Zealand citizens): Please enter the date (below) you became a permanent resident and provide a certified/notarised copy of your passport and visa.

Date of Australian Permanent Resident *

Please confirm if you are applying for candidature or scholarship or both? *

Candidature onlyCandidature and ScholarshipScholarship only (already enrolled in a HDR at CDU or have received an offer)

SECTION 2 - CANDIDATURE APPLICATION

1. PROPOSED STUDY

Proposed Research Degree *

Doctor of PhilosophyMaster by Research

Please select one option below *

I am applying for a Standard ThesisI am applying for an Artefact /Exegesis ThesisI am applying for a PhD by Prior Publication (PPP)

If you were unsuccessful with admission into a Doctor of Philiosophy, would you be willing to enrol into a Masters by Research program? *

YesNo

Please select one option *

I am applying for a standard ThesisI am applying for an Artefact /Exegesis Thesis

Proposed Mode of Study (please tick appropriate box) *

Full-TimePart-Time

Study Location *

On CampusOff Campus

On Campus: location *Please select which CDU Campus you will be attending

Off Campus: research location *If you will be studying off campus, please provide details of the research location

Semester commencement date *

Field of Research/Discipline *

Proposed Research Title (Max 20 words) *Candidates are strongly encouraged to discuss projects with prospective supervisors before submitting their application.

2. CDU STAFF CONSULTATION

Contact at least one proposed supervisor before you submit this application. To contact prospective supervisors, please visit our Find a Supervisor page. Applications will not proceed without evidence of confirmation of supervision from any registered CDU supervisor.

Name *

Faculty

Email *

Phone *

3. RESEARCH OUTLINE

Please attach an outline of your proposed research. This proposal should comprise 1000 to 2000 words and

briefly review the literature to justify the research question and project
outline the methodology and methods that will be implemented
discuss the feasibility of this project, such as timelines, costs of resources, and ethical concerns
For transfer students - please include a section about the work and any milestones already completed and what is left to be done
include a list of references or bibliography

Research Outline *

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4. PREVIOUS STUDY

Are you currently studying? *

YesNo

If you are currently studying, please provide the details as requested below:

Name of Course *

Institution: *

Country of study *

Anticipated Completion Date

Have you previously been enrolled in a Higher Degree by Research? *

YesNo

Do you want to transfer from another institution? *

YesNo

Do you want to continue the research you commenced at this institution or commence a new project? *

Continue researchCommence new research project

If you want to transfer master or doctoral research candidature from another institution, please provide details as requested below, including any milestones you have already completed that relate to your proposed CDU HDR project:

Name of Course: *

Name of Institution *

Date Commenced *

Estimated FTE Days *Estimated FTE Days Consumed (to date)

Milestones already completed at previous institution *

I have not completed any milestones yetI have already completed my Confirmation of candidature (upload evidence below)I have already completed my Confirmation of candidature AND mid-candidature review (upload evidence below)I have completed other milestone already (upload evidence below)

Please indicate which milestone you have already completed that relate to the project you wish to transfer to CDU

Evidence of any milestones already completed as part of HDR project being trasnferred to CDU

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If you are transferring an HDR project to CDU from another institution, please provide evidence of any milestones already completed. Without evidence that you have passed confirmation and other milestones, the DGS may require that you complete all milestones, including confirmation, within your remaining candidature.

Contact Details (transferring institution)

Please upload official documentation from your institution showing your commencement date and any intermissions or changes of candidature status during your candidature *

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Is this research related to your current research? *

YesNo

If yes, please provide details as requested below:

Course *

Institution : *

Date Commenced *

Date Discontinued *

Please attach certified proof of your commencement date at this institution

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Have you ever been excluded from a tertiary course, program, or institution? *

YesNo

If yes, please provide details below: *

5. English Language Proficiency

As per CDU's English Language Proficiency Policy / Governance Document Library, all applicants must demonstrate English Language Proficiency for admission into an HDR course. Proficiency evidence must be provided at the time of applicant AND must be current at the time of commencement. Delays in commencement may necessitate a reassessment of this requirement.

Applicants can demonstrate English language proficiency using the following evidence:

Approved English language test results
Evidence of past studies in English from approved countries Evidence of successful completion of at least two years full-time equivalent (2.0 FTE), including an official testamur plus academic transcript/s and evidence of english as medium of instruction where required

Applicants who cannot demonstrate proficiency using the above methods should discuss with their proposed supervisors whether to complete an approved test or request an exception.

I have test results with scores that meet the University English language proficiency standard that will be current at the time of expected commencement from the following approved test: *

CDU ELICOS – English for Academic Purposes (Successful completion of EAP004)International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic test (Overall minimum: 6.5; No band below: 6.0)Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic (Overall minimum: 58; No score below: 50)Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) (Overall minimum: 79; Minimum writing score: 21)Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) (Overall minimum: 176; No skill below: 169)None of the above

If you indicated that you have test results from an approved test, please include a summary of your approved test results here:Include test scores, date test taken and date results are valid until

Approved test results upload

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If you indicated that you have evidence of approved English test results please upload here

If you indicated that you completed studies at one of the above countries. please provide name of institution, country, course name, which years you were enrolled, which year you complete the relevant studies etc:

English medium of instruction

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If you successfully completed studies from one of the countries on the EXTENDED list of countries, please upload evidence that the medium of instruction was English

Please add any other information relevant to your english language proficiency or evidence if needed:

SECTION 3 - SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION

APPLICATION TYPE

Please note: Applications for Stipend Scholarships can only be submitted during the advertised application period . All applications outside the advertised application period will be assessed for candidature only. Applications for Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships have closed for 2025 and if you wish to apply for a RTP Scholarship then you will have to wait until the next advertised round. Please refer to the HDR Scholarship website for future scholarship availability.

Please tick which advertised scholarship you are applying for: *

2026 - Competitive RTP roundResearch Project RTP Stipend Scholarship* (project name to be listed below and supervisor confirmation required)Other* (further information required below)

If you are selecting 2026 RTP Scholarship your candidature commencement date needs to be in 2026.

*Please complete this field, if you are applying for one of the following scholarships, Other, or Research Project RTP, please provide the full name of the Scholarship/Research Project you are applying for. Please note these scholarships are link to Research Projects and this Project must be advertised on the Scholarship website. *

Have you previously received an RTP stipend scholarship before? *

YesNo

If yes, specify the institution and years in which you received this scholarship *

Have you received another scholarship to support your higher degree by research? *

YesNo

If yes, specify the scholarship, institution and years in which you received this scholarship

Have you already been offered a place or already commenced in a Higher Degree Research (HDR) program at CDU? *

YesNo

If yes, please provide the below information:

Course Name *

College/School *

Principal Supervisor *

Research Topic *

Are you applying to transfer your scholarship from another institution? *

YesNo

If yes, please provide details:

Scholarship *

Commencement Date *

Course of Study *

Commencement Date: *

Institution Name *

SECTION 4: ACADEMIC AND PROFFESSIONAL DETAILS

To be eligible to enrol in a Higher Degree by Research, you must have successfully completed research activity at an Honours or postgraduate level. Alternatively, you may have completed equivalent activities, such as published scholarly research. To learn more about these criteria, read the HDR Admissions Policy.

Previous Qualifications

Please click "add item" to include all qualifications. Please begin with your most recent qualification.

Degree *Degree of Qualification

Institution *Institution obtained degree

Years Attended *(e.g 1998-2000)

Language *Language of Instruction

Your final GPA relative to grading system maximum grade (eg 3.4/4) *Enter your GPA as a fraction of the maximum GPA for you course

Please attach a certified copy of each qualification and transcript including grading system - evidence must be in English

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Please note that the key to grade is also required (which is often on the reverse side of transcript).

Did your degree include a thesis (dissertation) component *

YesNo

Date thesis completed *

What percentage of your degree was the dissertation? *

Thesis grade eg HD or grade relative to grading system eg 3/4 *Include the grading system as required

Thesis title *

Number of words *

Was the thesis examined externally? *

YesNo

Copy of your dissertation

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If you have a copy of your dissertation you may want to include a copy here

Research Experience

In the following space, list the units or courses in which you completed research activities during an Honours or postgraduate degree, such as wrote a research proposal, collected data, analysed data, and wrote a thesis. Also, list the units or courses in which you learned about qualitative or quantitative research methods, such as a unit about statistics. Estimate the number of semesters of research activity you have completed after your Bachelor degree. For example: supposed you completed an Honours or Graduate Diploma degree in one-year, full time, suppose that half this course was dedicated to a thesis, you would, therefore, have completed one semester of research activity.

DegreeExample – Master of Environmental Sciences

SubjectStatistical analysis for Biologists

Type of research

Research activityResearch Coursework

Duration (full time equivalent)Full-time equivalent (1 semester)

Employment History

If you have accrued other research experience that demonstrate your research capabilities, such as worked as a research assistant or lecturer, please outline this experience here and provide the following details on your CV:

the years in which you undertook these roles and the approximate number of works each week;
the organizations in which undertook these roles; and
your main responsibilities, such as wrote grant applications or analysed data.

Name of Employer

Duties/Position

Dates

Letter from employer

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A letter from your employer can be included if it helps support your English Proficiency or your research experience

Research Outputs

In the first column of the following table, list outputs from research you have conducted either at university or in other settings. List up to 6 of your best outputs. Include:

scholarly journal articles
scholarly books
full conference papers
chapters in a research book
patents or computer software
major creative works, such as a novel, play, or movie
art exhibitions

In the second column, briefly describe your role, that is, the main activities you completed.

Publication Reference & DOI

Your role

Evidence of peer review if relevantPlease provide a link to the evidence that your publication was peer-reviewed

Are you the first or only author of this publication?

YesNo

SECTION 4: PUBLICATIONS

Please provide a brief statement here about the overall theme of the outputs as a body of work *Approx 500 words.

Please upload all publications you wish to include in your PhD by Prior Publication *

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Please upload your CV *

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If you would like to submit additional information to support your application, please submit a brief statement here.

SECTION 5 – REFEREES & DECLARATION

REFEREE REPORT:

All applicants MUST have two referee reports. The university will not request reports on your behalf.

Applicants for Doctoral and Master by Research candidature and/or Postgraduate Scholarship are required to nominate two Referees who are prepared to support their application(s). These Referees must be familiar with the applicant’s academic achievements and research background. It is recommended that one referee be the supervisor of your most recent tertiary program.
Please provide contact details of your referees on this application form.
You must also ask them to submit their written reports directly to the University via the HDR Referee Report Form .

Referee 1: Name *

Referee 1: Position *

Referee 1: Institution *

Referee 1: Phone Number *

Referee 1: Email Address *

Referee 2: Name *

Referee 2: Position *

Referee 2: Institution *

Referee 2: Phone Number *

Referee 2: Email Address *

DECLARATION

The University collects the information in this form to

ensure that enrolled students will receive the education, training, and facilities they need
administer schemes of financial or other assistance to enrolled students
compile or report statistics
fulfill other purposes

The University will not disclose the information you collect in this form to third parties except to other educational institutions or government bodies, as required or authorised by law or in accordance with our Privacy Policy. You may obtain access to the information the University maintains about you by contacting the Privacy Officer on (08) 8946 6666.

I declare my responses in this form is true, accurate and complete. I am aware that providing false or misleading information is a serious offence under the Criminal Code (Commonwealth).

I consent to

the University contacting the educational institutions I attended or other named individuals on this form to verify my answers
the University collecting, storing, and disclosing information I provided on this form to relevant authorities

I understand that Charles Darwin University reserves the right to vary or reverse any Offer of Admission based on incorrect or incomplete information. Communicating false or misleading information is a serious offence under the Criminal Code (Commonwealth

Signed: *

Clear

Date: *

Print Name: *

ATTACHMENTS

Please complete the checklist below and ensure you have supplied the required documentation:

Proof of Citizenship: A copy of your current passport, birth certificate or your residency visa.

Change of Name (if applicable): Documentary evidence of your change of name.

Previous Qualification Documentation: A copy of your official transcript(s) and certificate(s) in English for all previous tertiary study. *

Evidence of Supervision: You are required to provide evidence that at least one CDU academic staff member has agreed to support your application/supervise your research, such as email communication with your proposed supervisor. *

Evidence of English Proficiency: All CDU students (domestic and international) must provide evidence of english language proficiency such as a current approved English language test results, transcripts of prior AQF level 7 courses or above (eg Australian Bachelor degree or above) undertaken in Australia, NZ or other approved countries etc. See the English Language Proficiency Policy / Governance Document Library for more details. *

Research Outline: You will need to include a copy of your research outline. *

Referee Report: You are required to nominate two people (preferably external to CDU) on your application who can testify to your academic achievements. You will need to contact your referees prior to lodging your application and request that they complete the HDR Referee Report form. Your referees will supply their report directly to CDU. *

Other: Please attach any other relevant documentation to support your application (e.g. CV, portfolios, Supervisor Statement of Support etc.) *

I have attached all relevant documentation to support this application *

YesNo

If no, please be aware that this will cause a delay in processing your application. The application cannot be processed until all relevant documentation is received. Please provide a reason why the application has been submitted without all relevant documents: *

Supporting Documents

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